Melbourne’s lockdown begins as cases rise

(FASTNEWS | COLOMBO) – Sweeping lockdown restrictions on non-essential businesses in Australia’s second-largest city, Melbourne, have come into effect, as authorities scramble to bring coronavirus infections under control.

Most businesses and shops were closed on Thursday, leaving streets virtually deserted in Victoria state’s capital, home to around five million people.

The six-week shut down was ordered by the government of Victoria after a new round of restrictions in early July failed to curb a rise in new Covid-19 infections.

In Melbourne, a night-time curfew has been imposed and residents have been told to stay at home, unless they have work or care commitments.

On Thursday Victoria recorded another 471 coronavirus cases, and eight new deaths.

Australia has now recorded about 20,000 Covid-19 cases and 255 fatalities, still far fewer than many other developed nations.

But the outbreak in Victoria is threatening to spill over into neighbouring states, putting authorities on the back foot after the country’s initial success in mitigating the virus.